Welcome to another Steve-fronted Morning Coffee. Once again, I'm reporting to you from the charming city of Baltimore, where I got to attend last night's Mets-Orioles game, which New York prevailed in 3-1. It was certainly an interesting experience, being a part of my first ever road invasion (I see why you Ranger fans enjoy it so much!) and taking in a Mets' road game for the first time since their first interleague series with the Orioles in the late 90s.
↵A funny story about that trip: this was around the time the Mets were attempting to rehabilitate Jason Isringhausen. We all got to the park and hung out at a barbecue behind the bullpen, where Izzy was throwing a session. He ended up autographing my Mets hat. I don't think he ever threw another pitch as a Met. Good times.
↵Anyway, there was a game to be played at Camden Yards on Saturday night, and it began with a bang, as Jose Reyes hit a 3-2 pitch on the game's first at bat to give the Mets a 1-0 lead. The Orioles struck back to tie it in the bottom of the inning, but the Mets took the lead on a failed double play attempt and sealed it on a Jeff Francoeur home run. Hisonori Takahashi had a bounce-back game, and Pedro Feliciano and Francisco Rodriguez wrapped it up. The Mets are now a game and half back of Atlanta for first place after winning back-to-back road games for the first time since July 2009. Amazin' Avenue has more.
↵While we were checking out the wonderful Inner Harbor, the Yankee captain was checking out the bleacher seats, as Derek Jeter hit two home runs en route to a 9-3 Pinstripes win. Jorge Posada added a grand salami in the victory. Javier Vasquez continues to be surprisingly solid of late, and got his 6th win of the year. The Yankees are now a game back of the Rays in the AL East. Pinstripe Alley has more.
↵In other Saturday sports news:
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- The U.S. achieved a tie with England in World Cup action, 1-1. New Jersey native Tim Howard was named Man of the Match. ↵
- In other World Cup action, Argentina blanked Nigeria, 1-0, and Korea shutout Greece, 2-0. ↵
- Kansas and Missouri to the Mountain West? ↵
- Check out my "Behind the Mic" this week, which features the YES-SNY battle, some Knicks TV news, and comparing local ratings for the two championship series on our airwaves. Enjoy your Sunday of soccer, sweeps and Strasburg. ↵